Fire Protection Panel with Calcium Silicate Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire-resistant panels are heavy, expensive to install, and require complex techniques, making them unsuitable for doors, and lack easy visual inspection for damage, while existing coatings are not effective for providing sufficient fire protection.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight fire protection panel comprising a steel sheet with folded edges, a porous calcium silicate layer, and flexible calcium/sodium silicate strips, designed for easy installation without drilling, with a kit format for assembly and featuring a handle passage and gas-permeable layer for temperature resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing fire-resistant panels are used, then fire protection is provided, but the panels are heavy and expensive to install

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire protectionVSAvoidpanel weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fire protection system is divided into modular panels that can be individually installed on different sections of walls or doors. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized dimensions, allowing for easier handling and installation while maintaining overall fire protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panel employs a composite structure combining a steel sheet substrate with a calcium silicate insulating layer. This composite material approach provides both the structural integrity needed for fire resistance and reduced weight compared to traditional solid fire-resistant panels, achieving a balance between protection and installability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If existing fire-resistant panels are used, then fire protection is provided, but installation is expensive and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire protectionVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The panel is designed as a segmented modular unit with standardized components that simplify installation. The discrete panel format allows for pre-fabrication and standardized mounting procedures, reducing on-site construction complexity and installation costs while ensuring proper fire protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panel is designed as a replaceable protective element that can be installed independently without modifying the underlying wall or door structure. In case of fire damage, only the panel needs to be replaced rather than the entire door or wall assembly, reducing long-term maintenance costs and simplifying repair procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If existing fire-resistant panels are used, then fire protection is provided, but they cannot be easily applied to doors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire protectionVSAvoidapplicability to doors
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fire protection system is divided into modular panels that can be individually installed on different sections of walls or doors. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized dimensions, allowing for easier handling and installation while maintaining overall fire protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panel design is universal and can be applied to both vertical walls and horizontal or vertical door surfaces. The standardized format and mounting system allow the same panel type to serve multiple applications, making the fire protection solution adaptable to doors without requiring specialized heavy-duty components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If fire-resistant walls are used instead of protective coating, then fire protection is sufficient, but the structure cannot be modified and replacement is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire protectionVSAvoidpanel replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The fire protection system is divided into modular panels that can be individually installed on different sections of walls or doors. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized dimensions, allowing for easier handling and installation while maintaining overall fire protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panel is designed as a replaceable protective element that can be installed independently without modifying the underlying wall or door structure. In case of fire damage, only the panel needs to be replaced rather than the entire door or wall assembly, reducing long-term maintenance costs and simplifying repair procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The panel provides effective fire resistance, delaying combustion by 30 minutes at 60°C and improving noise insulation, with easy installation and visual inspection for damage, allowing for replacement of only the panel rather than the entire door in case of fire.

Implementation Method 1

a non-flexible layer (3) based on advantageously porous calcium silicate, with a binder hardened by autoclaving, said layer (3) having a thickness of at least 20 mm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

one or more flexible bands (9) comprising a central structure based on calcium and/or sodium silicate surrounded by a sheath

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas permeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP3147444B1Fire protection panel for a wall and kit for assembling same
Publication Date: 2018.01.24 HEINEN GMBH
  • EP3147444B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3147444B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3147444B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Panel comprising a steel sheet with folded edges, a rigid layer based on calcium silicate, angle brackets to hold the layer on the sheet, and a continuous flexible strip placed between the folded edges and the angle brackets.